Silver sulfadiazine, cream

Therapeutic action

Antibacterial (sulfonamide group).

Indications

• Prophylaxis and treatment of infections in severe burns.
• Treatment of infections in leg ulcers.

Forms and strengths

1% sterile cream, tube or jar.

Use

Child 2 months and over and adult: clean the wound then apply a 3 to 5 mm layer of silver sulfadiazine cream to the wound once daily and cover with sterile compresses.

Duration

Until wound has healed or until skin graft, when required.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not use in patients with allergy to sulfonamides or in children under 2 months.
• Do not apply other topical treatments to wounds where silver sulfadiazine is applied.
• Use with caution in children under 2 years and in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment.
• May cause skin reactions, grey skin discoloration, skin photosensitivity, rarely severe allergic reactions, and systemic adverse effects related to sulfonamides when applied to a large surface area, mucous membranes, or for prolonged use.
• Pregnancy: avoid if possible during the third trimester of pregnancy.
• Breast-feeding: contraindicated if the child is under one month.